The wartime bunkers that could be redeployed in the event of coronavirus breakdown

Global demand for bunkers is soaring and the UK has a trove of hiding places (Image: Getty Images)

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British survivalists meanwhile know of the existence of subterranean hideouts which it's speculated could be deployed again as self-isolation hideouts if the pandemic worsens or leads to civil unrest.

The UK still has a trove of hidden bunkers built to offer protection to top military brass and cabinet officers in case of a national emergency during the Second World War and nuclear attack during the Cold War era.

Although many have been decommissioned and left to ruin over the years, many of these hiding places are still maintained and kept secure from squatters behind lock and key.

Head of global bunker company Vivos, Robert Vicino, sells secure locations complete with supplies across the US and former World War Two sites in Europe.

Speaking about the current pandemic, he said: “The dominoes are falling. We could be a month away from a meltdown.

"What’s everyone going to do when they run out of food and money? It could get ugly. By that time, it’s too late to call me.”

If nuclear warheads had rained down during the Cold War tensions of the 50s, many would have become the bomb-proof HQs for local and central government agencies, including the police and civic authorities.

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RAF High Wycombe, Bucks, remains an active base, originally used as RAF Bomber command in the 30s. There is a large bunker on the site, the use of which remains classified, but it was rumoured to cost £83million to build.

Elsewhere in Wycombe is a three-storey nuclear proof facility under the Daws Hill, this includes a fully reinforced and protected bunker with room for at least 300 personnel.

RAF Daws Hill was sold off in 2007 and could still prove to be an effective place to hideout the coronavirus pandemic. As it has Grade II listed status, it can’t be demolished.

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The military defence bunker and radar station at RAF Boulmer, was used during the Cold War with three secure bunkers used to carry out radar operations. It is still used to this day, as part of UK air surveillance.

Meanwhile if a full-scale emergency hits Britain, the Prime Minister will be whisked to the so-called £128 million Pindar Bunker, allegedly buried four-stories deep beneath the Ministry of Defence.

Downing Street is said to be linked to the emergency lair by a tunnel which burrows beneath the streets of London.

For most of us unable to access a bunker to hunker down in until the government's so-called war on coronavirus is won – the advice is to stay at home.